The National Police Board is considering submitting a claim to dissolve Extinction Rebellion Finland, as reported by Verkkouutiset. National Police Commissioner Ilkka Koskimäki is gathering information to determine if the group engaged in unlawful activities. The activists from Extinction Rebellion Finland and Återställ Våtmarker sprayed red paint on the Parliament House columns in protest of peat extraction operations.
The real estate manager of the Finnish Parliament estimates the cost of cleaning up the facade at 15,000 euros. Dissolution orders are rare in Finland, mostly issued to criminal organizations. Right-wing lawmakers and the public support dissolving the group. Minister of Justice Leena Meri has indicated readiness to look into the matter. Minister of the Interior, Lulu Ranne, believes it is necessary to consider dissolving Extinction Rebellion Finland.
Various politicians, including Pekka Aittakumpu, have expressed support for dissolving the group. The citizens’ initiative calling for dissolution gained 50,000 statements of support in two days. However, experts believe the initiative may not succeed under current legislation.